Beyond Meat set to launch its plant-based burger in the UK

Meat alternative manufacturer Beyond Meat has signed an exclusive UK distribution deal with The Authentic Food Co (TAFC), which will bring the plant-based Beyond Burger to the UK for the first time.

Beyond Meat claims that the Beyond Burger is the first meat substitute burger which looks, cooks and tastes like real beef, and the product is made entirely from plant-based ingredients and does not include soy or gluten.

Earlier this month, the company announced its intention to enter 50 new markets over the course of the year, saying that it would work with distributors to bring its products to European markets in the near future, but had it not confirmed a deal for UK distribution at the time.

However, this deal will make the Beyond Burger available to UK retailers and the foodservice sector, according to a statement from TAFC.

Ethan Brown, founder and CEO of Beyond Meat said: “At Beyond Meat, we’re dedicated to perfectly building meat from plants. By creating great tasting products that are better for people and the planet, we are enabling consumers to eat more of the things they love, not less.

“The partnership with The Authentic Food Co is an exciting opportunity for us to bring our flagship product, the Beyond Burger, to consumers across the pond.”

Nik Basran, CEO of TAFC added: “Our focus for 2018 is to bring more quality, flavour and choice for consumers looking for plant-based products. Matt has brought in lots of new ideas and thinking around plant-based food and the possibilities it can give consumers, with the obvious health and environmental benefits while not compromising on great taste.

“Beyond Meat is a fantastic addition to our range as they are leading the plant-based burger revolution started in the US so they already have a great product and brand we can now offer to our grocery/foodservice customers in the UK.

“They have doubled sales in the US in 2017 and are increasing distribution to more than 25,000 grocery stores and restaurants, highlighting the opportunity it presents to our UK customers.

“As a meat lover I can confirm the Beyond Burger tastes fantastic and we’ve got some very exciting plans in the pipeline that we’ll be announcing in summer.”